Gerard's Waters Edge Marina keeps it in the family

News-Times, The (Danbury, CT)

Published
7:00 pm EST, Monday, March 21, 2005

"I worked in almost all the places on this lake, but I'm doing it my way now. It comes naturally to me. You have to be disciplined and do what you set out to do. I just put my mind to it," said Gerard, 56, owner of Gerard's Waters Edge Marina in New Milford with his wife of 27 years, Krista.

Despite being in the marine business for more than 35 years, Gerard loves it. "It's fun. I like the challenge of making this a gorgeous place. I've tried to put every amenity I can into it," he said. The Strols live on the lake in New Milford with their three children, Jeremy, 20, Lauren, 18, and Garret, 16.

Located on the northern end of Candlewood Lake, this full-service marina sells and repairs new and used boats, provides dock slips, offers a full line of boat and motor accessories, and features the largest indoor facility in the state. "It's total. If you buy a boat here we guarantee you a slip and storage. We try to accommodate everybody," said Krista, 50.

Their two major lines include a full range of fiberglass boats, ranging from 18-foot bow riders to 31-foot cruisers, and Crest Pontoon boats. They are the largest Crownline boat dealer in Connecticut. Their full boat, outdrive, and outboard service center is staffed by certified marine mechanics who handle all kinds of work, including painting, detailing, winterization, and upholstery. "You take care of what you sell. You make sure the person you sold the boat to is happy. Customer satisfaction is what it's all about," she said.

In addition, the marina sells fuel, has 24-hour bath and showers, and a ship store. Customers can rent or purchase ski and tubing equipment and large water trampolines. Also, the marina offers four different types of boats for rent, including row boats, canoes, 18-foot runabouts, and pontoon boats. "A pontoon is like a floating living room. It has two pontoons with a deck on top. They're usually not meant to go real fast. They go anyplace from 15-to-25 miles an hour and can accommodate 12 to 15 people. You get a lot of people out and can have some fun," said Krista. They also lease boats weekly, monthly, or for the season.

Their state-of-the-art storage facility, more than 50,000- feet, has the capacity to hold more than 400 boats. "We built it in 1999 and it's been full. Dock space is at a premium on the lake. When you find a spot you like, with customer service, most people stay here. We try to give fair, competitive rates and good service," said Krista.

When the Strols purchased the building, which was built in the late 50s, it was rundown and in need of repair. "Gerard had worked at this location prior to it being closed, so he decided he wanted to stay in it and we put it all together. He has such a passion and love for it, so it was the obvious way to go. We cleaned it up and re-did the whole building," she said. "It's nice. Part of the joy you get out of it is watching it grow and blossom just like you do your children."

Every year they add something new. They recently installed new dock slips that can accommodate a 36-foot boat. "You always have to move forward and make it better. You never want to be stagnant. You've got to keep the customers happy, so we built everything to a premium and make it the best we can," said Gerard. This season, customers will find a new deck that's part of the docking system. "There were all these rocks down there and the docks were wrapped around the rocks and we were worried about somebody getting hurt, so we thought what a great idea to put a deck on top of the rocks," said Krista.

Gerard notes they have plans for a working lighthouse. "It's something nobody else has and it fits right in with the program," he said. Growing up in Queens, N.Y., Gerard spent summers on the lake. "I've been coming up here on weekends ever since I was born. Ever since I was 12 I've been on the water and around boats," he said. Gerard moved to New Milford at age seven. His father was also in the marine business. Krista grew up in Brewster, N.Y. "Back in the 60s for family vacations we used to camp where Sail Harbour now is. I grew up around water and always loved it. When we were dating, Gerard used to pick me up early in the morning to go water skiing," she said. Obtaining a BS in biology with a minor in chemistry from Western Connecticut State University,

Krista intended to pursue a career in environmental studies. Instead, she found her niche at the marina. "It's a passion. I enjoy it. The best part is going to work by boat in the summer and my kids and my husband can be around me." According to Krista, interest in boating has grown over the years. "In the last 15 to 20 years it probably has doubled. Boating is a vacation that goes on all summer long and every year. I try to sneak it in whenever possible. Boating is fun in the sun and the lake is so beautiful," she said.

Their year round, 7-day-a-week business keeps the Strols busy but they always include their children. "I'm fortunate because I do live on the lake. In all the years we were here, when my children were younger they'd come down by boat. They've grown up on the lake. Usually they're here all the time. They work here. Everybody knows them. They love it," said Krista.

According to Gerard, their north end site is perfect. "It's a nice end of the lake. The view is unbelievable. You look across the lake and all you see is woods. It's absolutely gorgeous, especially in the fall with the foliage," he said.

Krista loves the whole atmosphere. "It's a good environment. It's warm and friendly. I have customers that are first time boaters and when they meet somebody they start building a rapport. There's a bond with boaters. It's a whole new circle of friends," said Krista who's made many friends herself. "When you don't have a social life outside of your job you have to bring them in as part of it. We go out to dinner and go boating with them. The people are wonderful," she said.

With little down time, the Strols rarely venture far from the lake. "In the summer, we end up going out for a midnight cruise. It's so quiet and peaceful out there," said Krista. "My kids like to go skiing and wake boarding so I get up between 5 and 6 a.m. and I'll ski in the morning.

Whatever time it takes," she laughed. In winter, the family gathers for skiing and snowmobiling in Vermont. For Gerard, it's more than a business. "You're always meeting new people, making friends, and it's a nice atmosphere," he said. Krista agrees. "It's like an extension of our family. I don't foresee leaving. My son has a desire to, at some point, take it over, so we can keep it in the family," she said.

Gerard's Waters Edge Marina is located at 120 Old Town Park Road, New Milford. Call (860) 350-2628 or visit www.gerardswatersedge.com.